The Problem
The Problem
FIT FOR DUTY
Although their job and their own personal safety requires it, many first responders are not in the best physical condition.
FIT FOR LIFE
Remembering they are human as well – the tragedy and horrible incidents a first responder incurs on a daily, weekly and monthly basis is more than we will ever see in a lifetime. This often, as humans, wears on the men and women who suit up every day to protect and serve our communities.
* The mortality rate of a first responder is 62-64 years old
*Suicide is at an all-time high
*Obesity is at an all-time high
*Divorce rate is at all-time high
*Substance abuse is at an all-time high
*The morale of the industry is at an all-time low
Fit First Responders was created to serve those that serve us an assure that our finest and bravest are FIT FOR DUTY & FIT FOR LIFE.
There are 3 specific problems that our society faces today when it comes to our first responders and FFR was created to bring the solution to these problems.
* The mortality rate of a first responder is 62-64 years old
*Suicide is at an all-time high
*Obesity is at an all-time high
*Divorce rate is at all-time high
*Substance abuse is at an all-time high
*The morale of the industry is at an all-time low
Fit First Responders was created to serve those that serve us an assure that our finest and bravest are FIT FOR DUTY & FIT FOR LIFE.
There are 3 specific problems that our society faces today when it comes to our first responders and FFR was created to bring the solution to these problems.
PROBLEM 1:
AN UNFIT FIRST RESPONDER
It’s no secret that our Nation is not known for being the most fit nation, but FIT First Responders is here to change that starting with the men and women who sacrifice their lives every single day to keep our city safe.
The average mortality rate of a first responder is age 64 compared to the national average mortality rate in the U.S. is age 72.
Many of our police, firefighters and paramedics are in poor physical fitness that has led to millions spent annually on workers’ compensation due to the following:
- Lack of education
- Lack of resources available
- Lack of proper evaluation
- Lack of a reward system through accountability
FFR was created to provide the proper training for our first responders so that they can be the most physically and mentally fit.
In 2012, the city of Tulsa OK alone spent $28 million over a 3-year period on workers compensation (Tulsa World, 2012). This is no different in each city in our Nation.
Doctors are often treating the symptoms without addressing the cause, poor physical and mental health.
Our program has been designed to cut down on sick days and reduce the risk of job-related injuries.
They put themselves in harm’s way and see more in a week than the average citizen will see in their lifetime.
Through FFR we will create a healthier, wealthier, and safer city for everyone by creating a more physically and mentally fit first responder.
In 2012, the city of Tulsa OK alone spent $28 million over a 3-year period on workers compensation (Tulsa World, 2012). This is no different in each city in our Nation.
Doctors are often treating the symptoms without addressing the cause, poor physical and mental health.
Our program has been designed to cut down on sick days and reduce the risk of job-related injuries.
They put themselves in harm’s way and see more in a week than the average citizen will see in their lifetime.
Through FFR we will create a healthier, wealthier, and safer city for everyone by creating a more physically and mentally fit first responder.
In 2012, the city of Tulsa OK alone spent $28 million over a 3-year period on workers compensation (Tulsa World, 2012). This is no different in each city in our Nation.
Doctors are often treating the symptoms without addressing the cause, poor physical and mental health.
Our program has been designed to cut down on sick days and reduce the risk of job related injuries.
They put themselves in harms way and see more in a week than the average citizen will see in their lifetime.
Through FFR we will create a healthier, wealthier, and safer city for everyone by creating a more physically and mentally fit first responder.
PROBLEM 2:
CRIME RATE
The crime rate is out of control in our country and it is not getting better anytime soon.
It is more important now than ever that our communities work together as one team with one mission to execute one vision and that is creating a safer place to live.
Since we cannot cut down on the crime rate we decided to fight the crime with a more fit first responder on the street. Our FFR program was created to build the toughest, bravest, baddest, strongest, finest first responders so that they can fight this at home war against crime and terrorism.
Because of the morale of the industry, we are seeing first responders retiring early leaving many cities understaffed when it comes to our first responders. With this problem it is more crucial than ever that our first responders are performing at the highest level both mentally and physically.
It is more important now than ever that our communities work together as one team with one mission to execute one vision and that is creating a safer place to live.
Since we cannot cut down on the crime rate we decided to fight the crime with a more fit first responder on the street. Our FFR program was created to build the toughest, bravest, baddest, strongest, finest first responders so that they can fight this at home war against crime and terrorism.
Because of the morale of the industry, we are seeing first responders retiring early leaving many cities understaffed when it comes to our first responders. With this problem it is more crucial than ever that our first responders are performing at the highest level both mentally and physically.
PROBLEM 3:
LACK OF RESPECT
Today we have lost the Love and Respect for our First Responders. The crime rate is out of control and the threat of terrorism is real right here in our backyards.
Our First Responders are the real heroes of our streets. They are the ones every single day putting their life on the line so that we can do what we do…go to work, go to church, take a run, go to the park with our kids, and sleep at night expecting everything is going to be ok. They are the ones that are our frontline, our army right here in the states.
The respect, love and dignity desperately needs to be restored to our police and first responders of our country. It is time for the authority to be restored and the love and respect to be brought back to our first responders.
At FFR we believe that great leaders must first lead themselves. Through our proven system we develop the person through personal development. We believe that the respect starts within ourselves. We will focus on controlling what we can control and that is to continue to put the most fit, passion filled, purpose driven first responder on the streets.
In America today there is a tremendous disconnect between the private and public sector. Through FFR we will help restore the respect that our first responders deserve and create community within the departments so that together we can build a stronger team and together WIN as a city.
Our First Responders are the real heroes of our streets. They are the ones every single day putting their life on the line so that we can do what we do…go to work, go to church, take a run, go to the park with our kids, and sleep at night expecting everything is going to be ok. They are the ones that are our frontline, our army right here in the states.
The respect, love and dignity desperately needs to be restored to our police and first responders of our country. It is time for the authority to be restored and the love and respect to be brought back to our first responders.
At FFR we believe that great leaders must first lead themselves. Through our proven system we develop the person through personal development. We believe that the respect starts within ourselves. We will focus on controlling what we can control and that is to continue to put the most fit, passion filled, purpose driven first responder on the streets.
In America today there is a tremendous disconnect between the private and public sector. Through FFR we will help restore the respect that our first responders deserve and create community within the departments so that together we can build a stronger team and together WIN as a city.
In 2022, FFR expanded our program offerings to include all U.S. military veterans needing assistance with the goal of moderating the unacceptably high rates of PTSD, depression, and suicide that comes from their difficulty in adjusting to civilian life. As previous first responders who served in extraordinarily stressful environments, the core tenets of the FFR program readily apply to veterans. 78 veterans currently participate in the FFR program.
FFR offers family members access to the FFR program at a reduced cost. This gives participants the added support of having their loved one working towards similar health and fitness goals.
The FFR Online program offers the FFR program to first responders and veterans throughout the U.S. The program is delivered remotely through an online, self-paced curriculum accessed via the FFR website or phone app. FFR Online includes workouts, coaching, guidance, and support via Zoom and live stream.
Participants receive live coaching with an FFR coach, access to a nutritionist, and mental health support services.
First responders and veterans comprise one of the highest risk categories for mental health. One in three first responders suffers from PTSD (SAMHSA) and up to 30% of veterans (NIH) develop the condition. Sadly, first responders account for 676, or 1%, of all suicides (CDC), while 17 veterans die each day by suicide (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs). More police officers and firefighters die from suicide than in the line of duty (Ruderman, 2018).
When it comes to physical health, first responders are often ill-equipped to perform their jobs. The obesity rate among firefighters and police officers is 40%, with up to 80% being overweight (NIH), which can lead to cardiovascular problems and musculoskeletal issues, while increasing risk for a host of illnesses. Untreated mental health issues frequently lead to impaired decision making, which is gravely concerning considering the very real life-and-death outcomes that are at stake in a first responder’s job. Whether it’s saving lives medically, on the streets, in a fire, or any other emergency situation, first responders need to be mentally sharp at all times. When first responders are unprepared to optimally perform their job duties, everyone suffers. It’s a vicious cycle with dire consequences.
It doesn’t have to be this way, but sadly, this is the norm far too often. Most first responder wellness programs are limited by budget constraints and a lack of education. For example, for a profession with one of the highest suicide rates, only 3-5% of law enforcement agencies have suicide prevention training (IACP). First responder wellness and suicide prevention are where resources need to be prioritized, not limited.
This becomes even more concerning when you consider the sheer number of first responders and veterans. The United States is home to 4.6 million police, firefighter, and emergency medical professional first responders, 430,000 National Guard members, and 16.2 million veterans, or 6% of the nation’s population. Since FFR’s scope reaches nationwide, all of these individuals fall within our target population, with a particular focus on Tulsa first responders and veterans.
FFR offers family members access to the FFR program at a reduced cost. This gives participants the added support of having their loved one working towards similar health and fitness goals.
The FFR Online program offers the FFR program to first responders and veterans throughout the U.S. The program is delivered remotely through an online, self-paced curriculum accessed via the FFR website or phone app. FFR Online includes workouts, coaching, guidance, and support via Zoom and live stream.
Participants receive live coaching with an FFR coach, access to a nutritionist, and mental health support services.
First responders and veterans comprise one of the highest risk categories for mental health. One in three first responders suffers from PTSD (SAMHSA) and up to 30% of veterans (NIH) develop the condition. Sadly, first responders account for 676, or 1%, of all suicides (CDC), while 17 veterans die each day by suicide (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs). More police officers and firefighters die from suicide than in the line of duty (Ruderman, 2018).
When it comes to physical health, first responders are often ill-equipped to perform their jobs. The obesity rate among firefighters and police officers is 40%, with up to 80% being overweight (NIH), which can lead to cardiovascular problems and musculoskeletal issues, while increasing risk for a host of illnesses. Untreated mental health issues frequently lead to impaired decision making, which is gravely concerning considering the very real life-and-death outcomes that are at stake in a first responder’s job. Whether it’s saving lives medically, on the streets, in a fire, or any other emergency situation, first responders need to be mentally sharp at all times. When first responders are unprepared to optimally perform their job duties, everyone suffers. It’s a vicious cycle with dire consequences.
It doesn’t have to be this way, but sadly, this is the norm far too often. Most first responder wellness programs are limited by budget constraints and a lack of education. For example, for a profession with one of the highest suicide rates, only 3-5% of law enforcement agencies have suicide prevention training (IACP). First responder wellness and suicide prevention are where resources need to be prioritized, not limited.
This becomes even more concerning when you consider the sheer number of first responders and veterans. The United States is home to 4.6 million police, firefighter, and emergency medical professional first responders, 430,000 National Guard members, and 16.2 million veterans, or 6% of the nation’s population. Since FFR’s scope reaches nationwide, all of these individuals fall within our target population, with a particular focus on Tulsa first responders and veterans.
